Ysgol Maes Garmon is the only Welsh-language secondary school in Flintshire. They received a grant for creative technology equipment in their design and technology, art, ICT and music departments in 2019.
We spoke to Steffan Jones about their application to our funding programme for state secondary schools and sixth form colleges.
Tell us about your project
Our project was designed to provide our students with high quality equipment and provision, allowing them to train and use professional equipment, while also continuing their academic journey through the medium of Welsh.
The caring, open and happy ethos of Ysgol Maes Garmon is one that we strive to maintain at our school. As the only Welsh medium secondary school in Flintshire, we offer a unique opportunity to students to study many subjects through the Welsh language.
However, the size and age of the school building and quality of equipment limited what we could offer. We wanted to invest in our creative departments by relocating our art department and installing new equipment in our design and technology and music departments.
What did you want to achieve?
We hoped to improve the quality of our design and technology, music, ICT and art facilities, creating a specialist teaching environment and presenting a more competitive offer for young people wishing to continue their post-16 education through the medium of Welsh.
We aimed to increase the number of students taking these creative subjects at A level and encourage more students to study creative-related courses in Further Education as a result of their good experiences at the school.
What has been the impact of your grant?
We were also able to upgrade our equipment and technology in the design and technology and music departments. These upgrades included 52 computers, 14 of which were turned into Digital Audio Workstations for our students. These workstations have purpose-built desks, MIDI Keyboards, Audio Interfaces, Logic Pro X and Sibelius, hugely improving our resources for music composition and performance.
Although it is too early to see the long-term impact of the project, we are hopeful of seeing an increase in students choosing creative industry subjects in Further Education.
How has your grant had an impact on students?
We ensure that all students have access to the new equipment in some form from Key Stage 3 to Key Stage 5, so they are all benefitting from the upgrade. Not only has it improved how students create work in lessons, but it has noticeably improved quality and creativity of their work. Our A level and GCSE students were also able to design and manufacture products using 3D printing technology for the first time.
Our Head of Music adds:
‘GCSE and A Level students have benefitted greatly from the new music technology equipment installed in the department thanks to Wolfson. The new upgrades meant that the students were able to compose and record their coursework using new quality digital audio workstations along with the new keyboards and headphones. It has given the students a real boost and inspired them to create wonderful and exciting music using Logic Pro X. ‘
‘The new equipment in the department is already drawing attention from younger pupils too, who are visibly impressed and intrigued about the new modern workstations, which in time will hopefully lead to more interest in the subject in year 10. There are also discussions about starting an after-school music club at Ysgol Maes Garmon, so that Key Stage 3 pupils can explore the new equipment.’
The Wolfson grant made a huge difference to our school and students. Not only did it allow us to provide the departments with up-to-date professional equipment, but it also allowed us to pool our own funding into other advancements. Having the creative industries equipment accounted for and set up for years to come has allowed us to invest in other ways, developing our school resources and strategy.
What advice would you give to schools applying for a grant from the Wolfson Foundation?
As a school we found that brainstorming ideas and strategy during the application process was useful in developing a coherent and actionable plan. Assigning a lead on the project also helped and made communication swifter with the Foundation by only having one point of contact.
For an investment so impactful as this the application process was very simple. Communication with the Wolfson Foundation was excellent. They were very understanding and helpful throughout the whole process, especially through the Covid-19 pandemic.
We would highly recommend that any schools that have targeted projects or need a boost in their provision apply for a grant from the Wolfson Foundation.
Steffan Jones is SIMS Officer / Network Manager at Ysgol Maes Garmon.
Image credit: Craig Coleville
